Hot car death: Child left in car for several hours dies near Houston, Texas, sheriff says

HOUSTON, Texas – A mother running home to prepare for a birthday party in Northeast Harris left her 5-year-old son in a vehicle for two to three hours before realizing she was there, authorities said Monday.

The child died as a result, according to county sheriff Harris Ed Gonzalez. The search for the hot death from a car started at a dead end around 3:19 p.m.

Earlier, the mother and her two children – the 5-year-old victim and an 8-year-old daughter whose birthday party was taking place – went to a store as part of preparations for the celebration, Gonzalez said.

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In a hurry to get organized for the party, mom and daughter went out, but the boy remained on his back, still tied in place.

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According to Gonzalez, investigators learned that the son knew how to untie and get out, something the mother may have assumed he did. So he went in to prepare for the party.

But just two or three hours later, when she called the child, she realized where her son was, the sheriff said.

Gonzalez added that investigators believe the vehicle is rented and that unfamiliarity with the security lock on the door may have contributed to the incident.

The sheriff’s office did not immediately say whether the mother would face charges.